@JoAnne65 - I actually really love your "cartoony" Sims! And I actually don't go for hyperrealistic, myself either (I probably fall into the "big eyes" camp, instead).
I have never felt that Sims look too "same-y" with the exception of Sliders-0 auto-generated Sims. Certainly I think mine look plenty different.
Edit - also, knowing TS4 doesn't do body hair is another strike against it, for me. That is a must-have, and not just for my Werewolves (though, of course, especially for them).
Unfortunately TS4 hasn't brought out werewolves. That's a BIG strike against it.
Spent some time tweaking some of my sims.
Always "River McIrish" ...and maybe some Bebe Hart. ~innocent expression~
Randomize 10 times and then play with the sliders. They used to say in Sims 2 that randomizing 10 times in CAS helps the game to generate more unique townies. It may or may not be the case, but I still do it.
My-Page: Memory-Stories be sure to go chronological, by clicking on "Date" instead of Memory or Action
Randomize 10 times and then play with the sliders. They used to say in Sims 2 that randomizing 10 times in CAS helps the game to generate more unique townies. It may or may not be the case, but I still do it.
^^^ This is exactly what I do! Randomize until I find an interesting face, then tweak the pudding out of them.
I think in fact that’s a clever way to get variety. I often take one of my own sims as a starting point, but that’s a recipe to fall into the ‘personal trademark’ and comfort zone trap I remember creating this girl that way (throwing the dice first in CAS and go from there).
I may not be the most prolific of Sim-creators out there, but I thought I'd chip in with my two cents. Although I will try not to repeat what has already been said, I do agree wholeheartedly that sliders are your friend when it comes to making unique-looking Sims. The two Sims in the collage below are using the exact same CC hair, yet they look completely different. It's all thanks to the magic of sliders Also note that no CC sliders were used in creating these guys (except for one that adjusts brow thickness).
On to my second point: I believe that it's more than just facial features that contribute to the overall look of a Sim. I find hair and style of dress to be important distinguishing features as well. Take a look at these guys, for example. I know they're not Sims (they're from another game I love called Stardew Valley) but I think they're a pretty good example of effective character design. Not only do they all look truly distinct from each other, each of them also gives off a specific impression. For example, the use of bright colours in Sam's design gives the image of a carefree young man, and his flamboyant, spi'ky (why the hell does that word get censored) hairdo could signify a rebellious nature. Where facial features are concerned, Harvey's rounder jawline and softer nose could indicate that he's a bit of a softie.
Of course, the best way to learn is by doing! And when you Simmify fictional characters such as these, you really start to get an appreciation of their design I've definitely played with the sliders here, but I also did my best to use clothes and hair to capture the unique feel of each character.
Finally, on the topic of CC sliders: I do think the base-game sliders already give you quite a lot of options. Though if you're looking to start using some CC sliders, I would recommend getting a few custom sliders for the jaw. I have recently begun to use a few of these, not because I felt EA's jaw sliders were limited, but rather because they weren't very user-friendly. And if you want more custom sliders, only add a few at a time! I remember once downloading a whole heap of CC sliders and then feeling so overwhelmed with all the new options! The new jaw sliders worked a treat though, and without them I don't think I would've been able to capture Caleb Vatore here
(Yes, I developed a crush on a plasticine vampire whose hair looks like someone glued a bunch of leaves to his head. Sue me.)
Randomize 10 times and then play with the sliders. They used to say in Sims 2 that randomizing 10 times in CAS helps the game to generate more unique townies. It may or may not be the case, but I still do it.
^^^ This is exactly what I do! Randomize until I find an interesting face, then tweak the pudding out of them.
it's easier than working from scratch
My-Page: Memory-Stories be sure to go chronological, by clicking on "Date" instead of Memory or Action
@Dutchysim Thank you, I'm glad you like my take on Caleb He does use CC though.
@JoAnne65 Thank you Happy you enjoyed my post! I was just saying what I feel, really. You really know how to make your Sims look unique, especially with your cartoony TS4 Sims. They look like they must be a lot of fun to play!
@TinySpaceFox I agree with adding only a few CC sliders at a time. I have a lot now but I added them gradually and usually only when I was making a sim and couldn't get the look I wanted with EA sliders. When I hit a block I would either go through what I had already downloaded or google what I needed. The first CC sliders I installed were twin sliders because I didn't like the way my male sims looked as females.
@Mikezumi Do you also have a River Phoenix to match the young Keanu Reeves?
@Auroraskies I am playing Keanu for the first time since I made him and I remembered you asking if I would make River Phoenix as well. I started working on River either yesterday or the day before
Oh, he is adorable @Mikezumi! And looks very cleaned up from my memory of My own private Idaho. Forever young and careless again, living the life in your sim world, I hope they end up with eachother Now I need to watch that movie again!
Thanks @Auroraskies He looks cleaned up because I haven't styled him after a movie character. I think it's about time I watched the movie again too. It's been many years!
Oh, and I made him so he could be Keanu's partner in my current save
I love that random button when I get stuck. Either that, or I grab a townie and see what I can do with them. There's a great mod HERE that can help with the sims that the game generates in the town being more random or not the same. I use a lot of CC, but not a lot of the slider mods. I really just like the one that makes them shorter or taller, but I've seen other people do some amazing things with just sliders!
Comments
Unfortunately TS4 hasn't brought out werewolves.
Spent some time tweaking some of my sims.
Always "River McIrish" ...and maybe some Bebe Hart. ~innocent expression~
No CC hair
No CC clothes
No CC makeup
No Special sliders
No Cc Eyebrows
No CC Skin
These sims look nothing alike and used the same brow for both.
- My-Page: Memory-Stories be sure to go chronological, by clicking on "Date" instead of Memory or Action
- Stories and Such – Sims 3 Stories by DivinylsFan (bobbiedivsworks.com) includes a couple of Sims 2 entries and some of my music.
I remember you from university, I still have your story.^^^ This is exactly what I do!
(Hope she shows up, Photobucket again...)
PoppySims Archive
InnaLisa Pose Archive
Devolution of Sims - a once customisable open world sandbox which has become a DLC Party catalog in a shoebox
I ♡ Pudding
On to my second point: I believe that it's more than just facial features that contribute to the overall look of a Sim. I find hair and style of dress to be important distinguishing features as well. Take a look at these guys, for example. I know they're not Sims (they're from another game I love called Stardew Valley) but I think they're a pretty good example of effective character design. Not only do they all look truly distinct from each other, each of them also gives off a specific impression. For example, the use of bright colours in Sam's design gives the image of a carefree young man, and his flamboyant, spi'ky (why the hell does that word get censored) hairdo could signify a rebellious nature. Where facial features are concerned, Harvey's rounder jawline and softer nose could indicate that he's a bit of a softie.
Of course, the best way to learn is by doing! And when you Simmify fictional characters such as these, you really start to get an appreciation of their design
Finally, on the topic of CC sliders: I do think the base-game sliders already give you quite a lot of options. Though if you're looking to start using some CC sliders, I would recommend getting a few custom sliders for the jaw. I have recently begun to use a few of these, not because I felt EA's jaw sliders were limited, but rather because they weren't very user-friendly. And if you want more custom sliders, only add a few at a time! I remember once downloading a whole heap of CC sliders and then feeling so overwhelmed with all the new options! The new jaw sliders worked a treat though, and without them I don't think I would've been able to capture Caleb Vatore here
(Yes, I developed a crush on a plasticine vampire whose hair looks like someone glued a bunch of leaves to his head. Sue me.)
TS4 Sims in TS3
it's easier than working from scratch
- My-Page: Memory-Stories be sure to go chronological, by clicking on "Date" instead of Memory or Action
- Stories and Such – Sims 3 Stories by DivinylsFan (bobbiedivsworks.com) includes a couple of Sims 2 entries and some of my music.
I remember you from university, I still have your story.@JoAnne65 Thank you
TS4 Sims in TS3
Zumi and the Winchester Brothers
The Watcher's Caretaker - A Limited ISBI
@Auroraskies I am playing Keanu for the first time since I made him and I remembered you asking if I would make River Phoenix as well. I started working on River either yesterday or the day before
Zumi and the Winchester Brothers
The Watcher's Caretaker - A Limited ISBI
Oh, and I made him so he could be Keanu's partner in my current save
Zumi and the Winchester Brothers
The Watcher's Caretaker - A Limited ISBI
Free Toddler and Kids Items | 100% FREE store items| Missing Store Stencils
The link doesn't work.:(
https://graceymanorsims3.tumblr.com/
Zumi and the Winchester Brothers
The Watcher's Caretaker - A Limited ISBI
That works.Thanks!
https://graceymanorsims3.tumblr.com/
Oh, no! I tried it before I posted it and I see now it's not working, so sorry! Thanks @Mikezumi
Free Toddler and Kids Items | 100% FREE store items| Missing Store Stencils